🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.